Nude Awakening

“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.
Delicious Ambiguity.”

I used to be such a control freak that every step was carefully planned, every outfit was thought of in advance and I refused to be caught off guard. The thing with being that way is that the sad but unavoidable reality that in life, you are never in control and to assume you are, simply opens you up for major disappointment. I came, I controlled (or tried) and I failed and got a harsh lesson and now I am just going with the flow and taking life as it is. I still crave for control (that's just me and I can't control it---okay for lack of a better term to use...) but now I know when to sit back and relax and let things unfold  before me without having to intervene. I simply trust the vibes I get... because at the end of the day, energy doesn't lie. As for being on top of everything, the rude awakening that one never can be and the sooner you accept that, the better as you strip yourself off the pretense (as comforting as the illusion of having control is) and then you're left to deal with yourself in rawest and purest form possible... that kind of explains my title on nude awakenings...because believe it or not... being stripped off all the false pretenses that somehow reassure you or lull you into a false sense of security is what one needs.

Call It Magic

Last Sunday, I got the great experience of attending one of my dearest College friend's wedding. It was beautiful. I always loved weddings. Yes, I am that friend who will gush to you about how beautiful you are, willingly come forward once all the single ladies are called out to catch the bouquet and actually stay, which qualifies me as the best wedding guest ever but the allure of it will never fade for me- no matter how many weddings I attend. Add to that the fact that I was born in the wrong time period and think wearing gowns and high heels should be my default outfit and my unwavering belief that it is really beautiful to see two people who love each other and want to publicly declare it have every right. As cynical as I may portray myself to be, I still do believe in happily-ever-afters and there is nothing like a lovely wedding to bring that out. So, on that day, I decided to be appropriate and finally wear this nude gown I've had in my closet for a long time... (to those of you who don't already know, I am that girl who has two closet full of gowns for no other reason than because I love gowns and always love having a dozen I haven't already worn yet... just in case.) Thankfully, I wasn't wrong and on this absolutely marvelous night, I decided understated and elegant was the way to go. The good thing is I also actually blended impeccably with the surroundings at the reception, which was in so many ways absolutely beautiful, by the way... the way I think all receptions are because they are filled with so much love and happiness all in one location.

Sweet Little Something

 There are times when I like to keep things simple yet feminine and fun. The wonders of dressing up in a monochromatic outfit are endless and it is all about in how you embellish. This time, I decided to keep the otherwise basic look more flirty and girly by adding a hint of blush tones because if anything- I am a girl's girl and well it seemed appropriate for Sunday dressing. I have to admit, there are some days that I feel just BLAH and that is when I have to remind myself that I have to be grateful. You see, as easy as it may be to point out every last thing that you currently do not have, there is ALWAYS something to be appreciative of. A lot of the time, we desire luxuries, situations, finances or people we can't have, completely forgetting about all the treasures we've been granted in life. Even I am no exception when it comes to this. There just some days you are tired and frustrated for no other reason except that you aren't feeling so well. Things to be grateful for having aren't always physical objects. While getting something you've been yearning or saving up for may be great, you simply cannot hold, text and download apps on a loving relationship with your Mom and your Dad, and having good health isn't shiny with nice rims on it... yet it is still most certainly worth being very thankful to have. There is nothing more  disappointing than losing something  or someone you have taken for granted and realizing then that you didn't appreciate every single moment you had it/them. This is why on days that I don't feel my usual cheerful self, I go back to this thought and get up, get dressed and try to be fabulous... there are so many things to be grateful for...and even I need to remind myself that... On days I feel like that, I put on a basic top, a good skirt, great shoes and a good bag and then I go ornamental. I think that's the first few steps in trying to go along...

Lacy Days

MORNINGSIDE.
(Blazer: H&M | Blouse: Forever21 | Skirt: Forever21 | Shoes: CMG | Bag: Michael Kors | Shades: Aldo)


Lunch out is always a fun activity for me. Considering myself as quite nocturnal, going out early for a business and family lunch is such a treat! This day, we had lunch out in The Continental in Tower Club and I had the most fabulous time in this cream and camel ensemble which was quite inspired by Spring Trends on creamy lace.

My peg was "Ladies who lunch" so I decided to sass it up in a lace frilly top paired with an embroidered lace skirt then tone it down with a camel twill jacket. The glam factor was the blinged out crystal heeled peep toe pumps which provided perfect glitter to the look.

After lunch, I ran errands for my store, bought fitness items over at Greenbelt 5 and then headed over to the hospital for a checkup!

xx, JL

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Photos from the day....

Father's Day Post: Mighty Aphrodite

I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage or my toughness, who does not believe me naive or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman.

-Anais Nin

Definitely Daddy's Little Girl: always was, always will be.
Cue in our theme song: Butterfly Kisses (which I am giving him in this shot!)

Properly Suited Up: I love how well the men in my family are dressed up all the time.
Even their ties match! Hurray for Zegna!


And of course with my mother, who is the most beautiful woman I know.
Seriously. My sister and I are obsessed with my mumum... If I could peg someone for the epitome of beauty, she would be it.

Had a Father's Day Dinner with the family at Red, Makati Shangrila to show our love for the #1 man in my life...my dad and of course to celebrate him and the blessing that he is for his family. Red (the fine dining restaurant in Makati Shangri-La) is definitely my favorite restaurant...ever. I don't know if it was the many memories I've had in this place, dating back to the time I though Foie Gras was gross (I was 6!) and I could not understand why food had to be so fancy. Back then it was known as Cheval Blanc. As time moved us on, the restaurant evolved into a chic and trendy place with wonderful decor and a modern setting, not to mention a staff who has grown to know us quite well (and my many food allergies) which makes it my favorite spot for brunch/dinner or any meal in general. Let's just say I like tradition, and keeping things as is. And for celebrations, such as these, I usually go to the reliable places I have gone so accustomed to that for some reason, I can't help but keep on coming back.

What was on the menu?

The thing about father's day: It's exactly like mother's day except you spend less on flowers....

Eggless Ciabatta Bread (Mom's allergic to egg)

Pan Seared Foie Gras with Caramelized Apples and Pears

Beef Consomme

US Prime Rib Steak

My weird dessert/ palette cleanser which was oddly good...It was raspberry and red bell pepper sorbet.

And of course...the wine. It's not a good time without the wine!

Now for my outfit...
I was especially sad that day which meant I was going to overcompensate with my outfit for dinner. Yes, I am one of those few people who tend to overdress rather than dress sloppily when not feeling well (It's one of "just because I feel bad, doesn't mean the world has to see it" philosophy".) More or less, the more composed and prepared my outfit is, the more chaotic my state of mind would be. (I'm weird that way) But I devote extra effort in hiding my sadness, depression, disappointment by going all the way. This night, my peg was Aphrodite or Lanvin circa 2008 as worn by Gwyneth and Katie Holmes.

Greek is Chic.
(Dress: Custom Made | Shoes: US | Purse: Vintage Dior Clutch | Pearls: Mikimoto)

Channeling your inner goddess is easy with a draped one shoulder pc., statement alligator gladiator strappy heels and a few cuffs to accessorize. I decided I didn't want to all out so I just wore pearls and a Dior clutch as add ons.

My outfit inspirations/ the peg for the night :

Goddess Chic Ladies Draped in beautiful one shoulder dresses by Lanvin.